Suspect identified in pursuit that led to shooting on I-25 near Hatch

New Mexico State Police have identified the suspect who allegedly led Border Patrol and Doña Ana County deputies on a pursuit that led to a shooting on I-25.

Thirty-nine-year-old James Kirkland, of Kingman, Arizona, allegedly failed to stop at the Border Patrol check point on I-25.

Border Patrol agents pursued the vehicle and Kirkland allegedly armed himself with a firearm and barricaded himself inside the vehicle, holding a seven-year-old child hostage, officials said.

According to New Mexico State Police, Kirkland threatened to kill himself and his son before a state police officer fired a round, striking Kirkland.

The child was safely rescued, and the suspect was air lifted to an area hospital. His condition is currently unknown. The child and officers were not injured.

Investigators have reopened I-25 north of Hatch, New Mexico following a vehicle pursuit, a shooting involving a state police officer and the rescue of a child held hostage.

The interstate was closed all day Wednesday and drivers were forced to take alternate routes via Hatch and Rincon.